I am a person who likes to be in the present, says U-19 captain Prithvi Shaw
Fresh off a triumphant outing at the World Cup, U-19 captain Prithvi Shaw has his feet firmly on the ground as he scored two List A fifties, in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Shaw, who was bought by Delhi Daredevils last month, is looking forward to learning from Ricky Ponting and Praveen Amre.
The Indian colts' World Cup-winning captain claimed that he is all set to make his mark on the biggest stage of senior international cricket as he looks forward to all the challenges that will come his way. The Mumbai-born lad opened the innings for India at the Under-19 World Cup, and in five innings, Shaw scored 261 runs at an average of 65.25.
Shaw recently featured for the Mumbai team in Chennai where different states are battling for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In the four group stage games of the tournament, Shaw hit two List A fifties, batting at three as opposed to opening the innings. But the Mumbai teenager refused to get carried away as he plans to take things one day at a time.
“I am a person who likes to be in the present. When the time comes to play Irani Cup, if I get the chance, I will make sure I will do my best,” Shaw said in an interview to DNA.
“The pressure was only in my Ranji Trophy debut (2016-17 semifinal against Tamil Nadu in Rajkot). I was nervous as I had come back from the U-19 Asia Cup. I still remember, we just won the U-19 Asia Cup and we came back to Mumbai.
“Suddenly, the selectors called me for the Ranji Trophy semifinal. It was an opportunity for me to score runs at the higher level. I missed out on the first innings (4) but made up in the second innings (120). It was possible due to the experienced players in the team encouraging me and taking the pressure off me.”
The youngster was hot property during the IPL auction just like his U-19 teammates, as he was picked up for Rs. 1.2 crore by the Delhi Daredevils coached by Aussie legend Ricky Ponting. Shaw is looking forward to the upcoming tournament where he expects to learn from the immense talent pool and expertise of veterans like Ponting and Amre.
“I am well matured to handle all those things. I will make sure I will not go